Can I be of Some Assistance?
Here are a few answers to Frequently Asked Questions
that may help you with your decision in hiring a photographer.
If you don’t see an answer to your question, then please send
me the question(s) and I’ll be sure to assist you with an answer
as soon as possible. Thanks for your time.
How long have you been photographing weddings?
After I graduated from school , I started
assisting photographers in 1995.
My plans were to pursue fashion photography until I photographed
my first real wedding in 1996 at Crystal Lake Country Club.
That's when I realized that I really had a passion for wedding
photography and I decided that this is what I wanted to do with
my life. I continued to assist other photographers and photograph
my own weddings part-time until 2002, when I decided to step
out in faith and do photography full-time. I never regretted
that decision. I went digital in 2003 and have thoroughly enjoyed
every moment of merging technology with art
to capture people's memories.
Where is Corey McFarlane Photo, Inc. located?
I am located in Fort Lauderdale. I have shot
weddings as far as California and New York. I am always excited
to travel nationwide or (internationally if opportunity presents
itself) for wedding events.
What type of photography equipment do you use?
I am a Canon guy. I work with professional digital
cameras and lenses.
Do you offer packages?
Yes, I offer packages. However, since each and
every wedding is unique in it's own way, packages are usually
customized to fit the needs of the bride and groom.
What are your current rates?
Rates start at 3500. A La Carte is available
for a more personalized touch.
How much should I spend in photography without
being over-budget?
Photography is usually 10-20% of your entire wedding
budget. Think about it, this is an investment that will last
a lifetime. Make a wise choice when considering your photographer.
How far in advance are you booked?
It all depends. Some brides get engaged on Saturday,
and start looking for photography on Sunday. Bottom line is,
the sooner you book your photographer, the better chance you'll
have of working with your first choice. I have been booked
a year in advanced. I've also been booked a month in advanced.
How can we book your services?
When you decide that I am the photographer to photograph your wedding, we will gather all the information for your wedding day and complete a contract. Half of the whole payment is due at signing. Once the retainer is received, Corey will reserve your wedding date just for you. Final payment is due 30 days before wedding day event.
When are traveling fees applicable?
Travel fees are due under special circumstances.
Can I view my images online?
Oh Yeahhhh! During the event, I will be collecting
email addresses from anyone who wants to view the images online.
Once the images are posted online, the bride and groom will
be the first to view the images. Once you are ready to release
the images to your guests and/or friends, you will click a button
that releases the images to your guests via their email addresses.
What's great about this is that they will never be bugging you
to see or purchase images. They can do that online. And so
can you!
Why should I hire a professional and not a friend
or a friend of a friend or family member or a friend of a family
member?
Honestly, you can do what you like and hire whomever
you like. It's your event. But why would you not hire a professional.
Not everyone with a camera is a photographer. And not everyone
who is a photographer is a professional. How many weddings
has the person shot? Does the individual conduct him or herself
professionally? Is professional equipment an option? How is
your photographer under the pressures of weddings? There are
so many more insightful questions to ask when hiring someone
to document your event. This question usually comes up when
cost is an issue. But why skimp on photography when that's
all you really have when your thousand dollar dress is dirty,
your flowers are dead, and the cake is gone. Why take a chance
on not getting the photos you want and will always cherish because
you spent so much on other things to impress those at the wedding
you may never see or talk to again. If you are worried about
money, high or low, REMEMBER...YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR!
Are you the photographer that will be photographing
my wedding?
Unless I'm dead, I will be the photographer at
your wedding. That's incentive enough because if i don't
show up, I will be dead!!!!!!
We are having a small wedding with about 40 people
or so. How much will that be?
Well, the size of your wedding
doesn't really matter to much when it comes to working your
wedding. I shoot weddings with passion and drive whether there
are 40 guests or 400 guests. I can't turn off a part of me
just because there are less people attending. I give all of
me on every single occasion. No more, no less.
What are proofs?
Proofs are copyrighted images of your event.
Proofs can come in many forms- digital prints, thumbnails, proof
books, CD, DVD, etc. Your proofs are still copyrighted. Again,
because there are so many "photographers" out there
who pimp the industry, people assume that proofs are there's
to print without the knowledge of the photographer. IT IS ILLEGAL
TO REPRODUCE IMAGES WITHOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER'S CONSENT! That
means it's against the law. That means if you break the law,
jail time is a possibility. Is it worth it? It's been said
that if you have to buy something, make sure it's worth paying
for.
Are albums included in your "packages"?
Yes. Once you decide what photos you would like
in your album, I will sit down and design the album. This
whole process can take about 3-4 months depending
on post-production and the albums that are ahead of yours. So
be patient. Once it's in your hands, you'll be pleased that
I worked diligent on producing the best album you can possibly
have.
Have you ever photographed a wedding only in
black and white?
Yes, I have. It was awesome. The only downside
is that you won't experience the dynamic of color in your images.
If I shoot color, we can always print in black and white or
sepia. However, b&w cannot be printed in color.
Do you shoot more candid photos
or posed photos?
That all depends on the couple and/or event.
I prefer, like most, to shoot more candid or photojournalistic
photos. Not every candid image is photojournalism. That term
is a very misunderstood concept. In the words of the "father
of wedding photojournalism", Denis Reggie declares, "Simply
put, it's when a photographer senses, anticipates, then documents
moments as a journalist all without speaking or changing the
scene, reporting the naturally discovered events. Results are
truly timeless and telling of the day's spirit and couple's
love, all based on the belief that people look best on their
own". I shoot to document your day. To me there is nothing
like a photograph that speaks of the many facets of the emotional
makeup of each individual. Whether that is wedding photojournalism
or posed, the image must have an emotional impact that conveys
character to the viewer.
Do you shoot the bride and groom together before
the ceremony if we wanted to do all our family photos before
the wedding ceremony?
I personally will set up a first look with the
bride and groom hours before the start of each ceremony if I
had my choice. There are so many advantages to seeing each
other before the wedding. For starters, the couple sees each
other for the first time in an intimate setting as opposed to
having to share that time with all the guests. Everything like
the flowers and makeup is fresh. All the family photos are
done prior to the ceremony, and you get to enjoy the days events
without the pressures of worrying about having enough time for
the important family photos. More times than none, the CEREMONY
WILL START ON TIME! If this still isn't reason enough to see
each other before the ceremony, then don't. It's your wedding
day. Do not be pressured by anyone to do what you don't want
to do.
Do you work well with videographers?
I have had very little to no problems with videographers.
There are very few videographers that I came across that were
unprofessional in their craft during the event. As long as we
don't get in the way of each other, everything will be fine.
Once you express to both vendors what you expect in regards
to covering your wedding, there will and should be an understanding
of what needs to be done to make you happy.
When should I call you to inquire about wedding
photography?
You should contact me when you have a solid and
concrete idea of exactly what you are looking for in a photographer.
In other words, when you have done your research with other
photographers. I seldom respond to ‘how much is wedding photography’
inquiries. It's a waste of time to contact a photographer just
for pricing. You should contact a photographer based on quality
of his overall craft. I can guarantee you that if you are only
worried about cost, then you will cost yourself peace of mind
when you receive your product.
What is the difference between the professional
and amateur photographer?
The professional photographer usually has the
memberships to different associations such as PPA (Professional
Photographers of America) and/or WPPI (Wedding and Portrait
Photographers International). This alone shouldn't qualify
or disqualify a professional. Recommendations from other vendors
and locations sites is good, too.
I hope this has been a help
to you in some way, shape or form. Save yourself heartache
and aggravation and choose your vendors wisely.
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